In the competitive world of three-row SUVs, the Honda Pilot has quietly claimed the top spot for 2024, overtaking long-time favorites like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. With a fresh redesign and a focus on rugged capability, the Pilot has proven to be a game-changer, posting impressive sales numbers that reflect its growing appeal.
Honda Pilot: A 2024 Success Story
Honda sold 141,245 units of the Pilot in 2024, up from 110,298 in 2023—a remarkable 28% increase. This marks the first time the Pilot has led its segment since 2013, and much of that success can be attributed to its bold redesign in 2023. The TrailSport trim, introduced as a more rugged and off-road-capable version, has been a standout, accounting for 26% of total sales in 2024.
| Make & Model | 2024 Sales | 2023 Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | 141,245 | 110,298 |
| Kia Telluride | 115,504 | 110,765 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 110,055 | 89,509 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 80,915 | 71,710 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | 71,721 | 48,036 |
| Subaru Ascent | 56,286 | 60,543 |
| Mazda CX-90 | 54,676 | 30,821 |
Why the Honda Pilot Stands Out
- Trim Variety and Features
- The 2025 Honda Pilot offers six trim levels, from the base Sport starting at $40,200 to the luxurious Black Edition. The standout TrailSport trim, priced at $49,400, boasts:
- All-terrain tires and off-road suspension.
- A 5,000-pound towing capacity.
- Honda’s Multi-View Camera System with TrailWatch.
- Hill Descent Control for enhanced off-road capability.
- Even the base Sport trim is packed with features like LED headlights, heated front seats, and Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor.
- The 2025 Honda Pilot offers six trim levels, from the base Sport starting at $40,200 to the luxurious Black Edition. The standout TrailSport trim, priced at $49,400, boasts:
- Safety Ratings
Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride hold five-star safety ratings from the NHTSA and are IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners. Hyundai’s Palisade also earned high safety marks, making this a close competition in safety features. - Reputation and Reliability
While Kia has faced recent recalls and quality concerns with some models, Honda has maintained a solid reputation for reliability. This, coupled with the Pilot’s availability and innovative features, has helped it stand out in a crowded field.
Read more: 7 Toyota RAV4 Problems You Need to Know Before Buying
The TrailSport’s Rugged Appeal
The rugged TrailSport trim played a pivotal role in the Pilot’s success. With 22,000+ units sold, it attracted adventure-seekers with its off-road enhancements and versatile performance. Powered by a V6 engine with 285 horsepower and equipped with Honda’s all-wheel-drive system, the TrailSport is designed for both family trips and rugged terrains.
Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade: Strong Contenders
Despite the Honda Pilot’s dominance, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade remain strong competitors. The Telluride posted 115,504 sales in 2024, while the Palisade achieved its best year ever with 110,055 sales, a 23% increase over 2023.
However, Honda’s redesign and strategic focus on rugged trims like the TrailSport have clearly paid off, giving it an edge in this fiercely competitive segment.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the industry anticipates the potential Honda-Nissan merger, it will be interesting to see how January and Q1 sales data shape up for these three-row SUVs. For now, Honda has hit its stride with the Pilot, positioning it as a top choice for families and adventurers alike.
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